Dark Embrace

XVIII - The 'Friend' in the Cove

"How much do you know?"

"Honestly? Nothing. Except that you're a jerk. Though I didn't need Ashleigh's help to come to that conclusion." I smile to myself, as I shouldn't look at him while people are passing.

"Fair enough," he concurs. He slowly sighs, and begins spilling the tea. "It didn't last long. You know those sayings about opposites attracting? And burning bright but burning fast? Yeah, that was us. We had a chance encounter when we started at the academy, we didn't know better, got together. It was... I guess 'passionate' is the best word to describe it."

"Sounds like quite the power couple," I comment snarkly.

"Not exactly," he chuckles. "I don't think I've ever suffered as much as during those few months."

"...Sorry."

"It's in the past."

"You seemed to jump at the fact that Ashleigh mentioned you."

"Well, yeah. But not because of Ashleigh."

I look at him with raised eyebrows.

"I mean... I didn't want her to drag my name through the dirt. I didn't want you..." he straightens himself and looks away, "or anyone new to see me in a bad light. You know, before I even have a chance to be a jerk to them."

I chuckle.

"That reminds me..." he comments menacingly. I stop chuckling. "I'm pretty sure time's up."

"But you weren't even bored!"

"Deal's a deal. But don't worry, I'm going easy on you. For now." He whispers into my ear as he walks up directly behind me.

I brace myself for what's to come. I stiffen my muscles as I feel his cold hand hovering inches away from my back. I get goosebumps. I feel it moving to my side, just around my corset. At this point I'd rather he touched me, this 'hovering' is driving me crazy. It's sliding up and... he steps back.

"That's it?"

"I said I'm going easy on you."

"Still, I expected something much worse."

"Don't test me."

"Honestly? I'm kinda disappointed."

He stands next to me.

"Have you chosen a single piece yet?"

"Well, no. There are soo many things I'd like to try on, but I can't see the prices anywhere."

"Pretty sure they work on an IOU system."

"Meaning?"

"They'll give you what you want. When the time is right, they'll ask for something they deem equal in value."

I think back to the note I found on my nightstand after that car almost hit me. I hastily take my phone out, and pull out the note from the case.

"Is this from them!?"

Dæmien gets closer, and takes the note while intensely focusing on it.

"This symbol... where did you get this?"

"It was on my nightstand after... I almost got hit by a car. Right after we met, by the way. I even started to think it was you who saved me," I scoff.

He looks at me for a moment, then back at the note.

"I've seen this before, but I'm not sure where. I'll look into it when we get back."

He takes a picture, then hands me back the note.

"Wait, is your phone invisible too?"

"Everything that's on me, everything I hold." He takes a step back, and begins checking out one of the racks. "Basically everything within my aura. And not exactly invisible, humans just can't comprehend anything of umbran origin. Their minds choose to filter it out and fill in the gaps," he explains.

"Huh." I ponder for a second. "Do you think when I have that... umbran aura or whatever, do I also become invisible?" I immediately feel heads turning and eyes staring, so I quickly add, "Just cause I can never get past that level."

Dæmien crosses his arms, and looks up, pondering.

"Not sure. We could give it a try, if you want."

"Do I... get to look into your eyes again?" I glance over to him, then back at the racks.

"Right, we should probably put a pin in that for the time being. My friends like this place, I don't want you to scream it away."

I push my mouth into a line as I pick out a few pieces.

"I didn't think you had friends," I stab back.

"Really...?" He gets up behind me again.

"There's no way this was five minutes!"

"Time flies when you're having fun mocking people. But you know what? I'll let you show me how to make friends," he whispers, grabs onto my hips from behind, starts pushing me, and makes me walk away from the racks. I try to think of a way to resist, but nothing comes to mind that wouldn't seem really weird. So, with a few accessories still in hand, I comply.

He walks me up to a guy nearby. He's around his forties. Balding. Sweaty. Unkempt. He pushes my right hand out for a handshake. The man stares at me.

"Uh... hi!" I blurt out. "First time here, I just thought I'd ask around."